The players and coaching staff of Russia celebrate their second straight European crown - their nineteenth title in history taking into account also those claimed by the former USSR

Rotterdam, Netherlands, October 4, 2015 - Russia silenced 11,000 fans in attendance at the Sportpaleis Ahoy arena in Rotterdam and upset the home heroines of the Netherlands 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-20) to claim the gold medal of the 2015 CEV DELA Volleyball European Championship – Women.

The Russian side accomplished the great feat of winning back-to-back European titles, following their gold medal from the 2013 EuroVolley held in Switzerland and Germany. Two years later, the Russian ladies replicated that success and celebrated the 19th European crown for their country by counting also those claimed by the former Soviet Union.

Tatiana Kosheleva received the award for the Most Valuable Player of the tournament as it happened also two years ago in Berlin, where six of her compatriots – Irina Zaryazhko, Alexandra Pasynkova, Natalia Obmochaeva, Ekaterina Kosianenko, Natalia Malykh and Anna Malova – celebrated their second straight European title as well.

Earlier in the afternoon Serbia finished their European campaign on a high note settling for bronze after easing past Turkey 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-18).

Russia v Netherlands 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-20)

The defending champions from Russia proved too strong for the Netherlands in the big final of the 2015 women’s EuroVolley. The Russian side cruised to an impressive straight-set victory in the title-deciding match and stopped the hopes of glory of a fully packed Sportpaleis Ahoy arena in Rotterdam. The impressive offensive power and the efficient blocking of the team mentored by Yuriy Marichev drove the Russian ladies to the top of the podium and to complete the remarkable feat of winning two consecutive continental championships.

“Today our defence worked very well,” Russia coach Yuriy Marichev said. “I am really proud of my team. This was one of the best matches we have played, especially since in our previous matches were not so good. I think the Netherlands were a bit tired and more nervous.”

“We lost because Russia was extremely good today,” Netherlands coach Giovanni Guidetti. “We could not play the game we wanted, but still, I am incredibly proud of this team.”

“It was really hard to play against Russia today.” Netherlands captain Maret Balkestein-Grouthues added. “Their defence worked perfectly. We really hoped to get into the flow that we had showed in the last matches, but we failed. We have experienced a super tournament, and closing it with this defeat is really bad for us. But still, we won the silver medal today, we should be proud.”

Serbia v Turkey 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-18)

The Serbian ladies beat Turkey 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-18) in the clash for the third place of the tournament after presenting a powerful demonstration of skillful and effective offensive resources. The bronze medal in the 2015 EuroVolley completes a sensational 2015 campaign for Zoran Terzic’s side following the second position claimed at the 2015 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup and the subsequent qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. This is also the fourth European medal for Serbia following their silver in 2007, gold in 2011 and a bronze medal claimed by the former Yugoslavia back in 1951.

“Today everything was better than yesterday,” Serbia coach Zoran Terzic said after the match. “We played more relaxed and though we won easier than I expected, it is a wonderful feeling to win the bronze medal. I congratulate my team, as they have had a very good season that we close with this medal.”

“Today our reception worked really well,” Brankica Mihajlovic stated. “I am happy to be part of this team. We managed to come back after a series of lost points, and we finished this championship in the best possible way.”